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Having paid out $2 million in 2014, Skillz says that its mobile eSporters aren't just kids

Growing sector

Having paid out $2 million in 2014, Skillz says that its mobile eSporters aren't just kids

The market for skill-based real-money gaming (aka referred to as eSports) on mobile still seems to divide opinion.

If they care at all many think it will never gain sufficient scale to be a significant part of the mainstream industry, while the small number of proponents claim it has the potential to be an element in all types of mobile gaming.

Of course, companies like Skillz are in the latter camp, but attempting to do more than just shout louder than their opponents, it put out data that is argues demonstrates the business of playing for money is more widespread than we think.

Older, greyer

From its platform, the company, which recently raised $6 million in funding, says that almost half of players in its skill-based real-money gaming competitions are women, while around 30 percent of players have children and 38 percent are married.

Reinforcing its view that eSports are just for teenaged boys, it says 65 percent of its players are aged between 25 to 44, with players aged over 65 to-date earning $35,000 in prize money.

Indeed, it says during 2014 to-date, its platform has paid out more than $2 million in prize money.

"Our mantra, eSports for everyone, is not just lip service," said Skillz CEO Andrew Paradise.

"We are proud to have built such a diverse and active community of competitors. There's no reason that eSports have to be some sort of boy's club, and we're happy to lead the charge in creating a more inclusive industry."

Contributing Editor

A Pocket Gamer co-founder, Jon is Contributing Editor at PG.biz which means he acts like a slightly confused uncle who's forgotten where he's left his glasses. As well as letters and cameras, he likes imaginary numbers and legumes.